Q1. What is the primary reason for the high dependency on artificial irrigation systems in Rajasthan?
Irrigation in Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
28 RAS Prelims MCQs on irrigation in Rajasthan cover the sources of irrigation, the canals and the major dams. The Indira Gandhi Canal, the Gang Canal, the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project and the dams on the Chambal are asked with their lengths, locations and sharing arrangements, and the explanations give the reason for artificial irrigation.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 28 questions
Q2. Which source contributes the highest percentage to the total irrigated area in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Wells and tubewells serve as the primary source of irrigation in Rajasthan, covering over two-thirds of the total irrigated area. This dominance is particularly evident in the eastern and northeastern plains where groundwater is more accessible compared to the arid west. This method provides farmers with independent and reliable water access throughout the year, supporting diverse agricultural cycles.
Q3. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| Irrigation Source | Predominant Region/District |
|---|---|
| A. Tube wells | i. Jaisalmer |
| B. Canal irrigation | ii. Jaipur and Alwar |
| C. Tank irrigation | iii. Ganganagar and Hanumangarh |
| D. Khadin | iv. Bhilwara |
Explanation
Tube wells are prevalent in Jaipur and Alwar due to favorable groundwater conditions. Canal irrigation is the lifeline for northern districts like Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. Tank irrigation is traditionally significant in Bhilwara’s hilly terrain. Khadin, a unique runoff farming system, is a centuries-old rainwater harvesting technique practiced primarily by farmers in the Jaisalmer region to sustain desert agriculture.
Q4. Which of the following statements regarding canal irrigation in Rajasthan is incorrect?
Explanation
Canal irrigation in Rajasthan primarily utilizes water from perennial Himalayan rivers through inter-state agreements. Unlike smaller local projects, these major canals do not rely on the ephemeral rivers originating within the state’s borders. The system is strategically designed to transport water from surplus basins in the north to the water-deficient regions of the western Thar Desert for farming.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Indira Gandhi Canal:
I. Its origin is from the Harike Barrage situated at the confluence of the Satluj and Beas rivers.
II. It was originally known as the Rajasthan Canal until its name was changed in 1984.
III. The project has led to a major agricultural green revolution in the Thar Desert.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Its origin is from the Harike Barrage situated at the confluence of the Satluj and Beas rivers.
II. It was originally known as the Rajasthan Canal until its name was changed in 1984.
III. The project has led to a major agricultural green revolution in the Thar Desert.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Canal Project is a multi-state venture originating from the Harike Barrage. Renamed in 1984, it transformed the arid landscape of the Thar Desert into productive agricultural land. By providing a perennial water supply, it facilitated a green revolution, enabling the cultivation of diverse crops and significantly improving the socio-economic conditions and food security of the region.
Q6. The total length of the Indira Gandhi Feeder Canal, from its origin to its entry into Rajasthan at Masitawali Head, is approximately:
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Feeder Canal is the initial segment of the massive irrigation project, designed specifically to transport water without allowing any intermediate withdrawals. It starts at the Harike Barrage in Punjab and travels approximately 204 kilometers before entering Rajasthan at Masitawali Head. This feeder ensures the efficient and rapid delivery of water to the main canal distribution system.
Q7. Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). Examine the statements and select the correct answer from the options:
Assertion (A): The Indira Gandhi Canal has transformed the desert ecology of western Rajasthan and ushered in an agricultural green revolution.
Reason (R): The introduction of intensive canal irrigation in the desert has completely eliminated the threat of soil salinity and waterlogging.
Assertion (A): The Indira Gandhi Canal has transformed the desert ecology of western Rajasthan and ushered in an agricultural green revolution.
Reason (R): The introduction of intensive canal irrigation in the desert has completely eliminated the threat of soil salinity and waterlogging.
Explanation
While the Indira Gandhi Canal has revolutionized desert agriculture and ecology, it has also introduced significant environmental challenges. Intensive irrigation in regions with poor natural drainage has led to rising water tables. This phenomenon causes widespread waterlogging and soil salinity, often referred to as the ‘Sem’ problem, rather than eliminating it, which can eventually render agricultural land completely unproductive.
Q8. Identify the odd one out among the following lift canals based on their association with the Indira Gandhi Canal Project:
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Canal Project features several lift canals, such as Kanwar Sen and Panna Lal Barupal, designed to irrigate elevated desert lands. In contrast, the Bhikhabhai Sagwara Canal is a distinct irrigation project located in southern Rajasthan. It is designed to utilize the waters of the Mahi River to benefit the tribal-dominated Dungarpur district through traditional gravity flow.
Q9. Consider the following statements regarding the phases and features of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project:
I. Phase I of the project primarily covered Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and parts of Bikaner districts.
II. Phase II of the project was designed to extend irrigation up to the Jaisalmer and Barmer districts.
III. The main canal provides gravity flow irrigation exclusively to the left side of the canal.
IV. The terminal point of the canal system was extended to Gadra Road in Barmer.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Phase I of the project primarily covered Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and parts of Bikaner districts.
II. Phase II of the project was designed to extend irrigation up to the Jaisalmer and Barmer districts.
III. The main canal provides gravity flow irrigation exclusively to the left side of the canal.
IV. The terminal point of the canal system was extended to Gadra Road in Barmer.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Indira Gandhi Canal Project was executed in two major phases to systematically extend its reach across the desert. Phase I focused on the northern districts, while Phase II reached the deep west. While the main canal provides gravity flow to the right side, lift canals serve the left. The project’s terminal point was eventually extended to Gadra Road.
Q10. Read Statement I and Statement II carefully and choose the correct option:
Statement I: All the branches of the Indira Gandhi Canal take off from the right bank, with the exception of the Rawatsar branch.
Statement II: The general slope of the land in the command area is towards the left bank, making right bank branches difficult to construct.
Statement I: All the branches of the Indira Gandhi Canal take off from the right bank, with the exception of the Rawatsar branch.
Statement II: The general slope of the land in the command area is towards the left bank, making right bank branches difficult to construct.
Explanation
Most branches of the Indira Gandhi Canal take off from the right bank because the natural land slope facilitates gravity flow in that direction. The Rawatsar branch is the notable exception, originating from the left bank. Contrary to certain misconceptions, the general terrain slope is towards the west and south, making right-bank distribution more feasible for irrigation across the command.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Low and highly erratic rainfall patterns |
| 2 | (a) Wells and tubewells |
| 3 | (a) A-ii, B-iii, C-iv, D-i |
| 4 | (d) It relies exclusively on the monsoon-fed rivers originating within the state. |
| 5 | (d) I, II and III |
| 6 | (b) 204 km |
| 7 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 8 | (c) Bhikhabhai Sagwara Canal |
| 9 | (a) I, II and IV |
| 10 | (c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect. |
Key facts from Irrigation in Rajasthan
- Rajasthan depends on artificial irrigation because of low and erratic rainfall; wells and tube wells give the highest share of irrigated area.
- The Indira Gandhi Feeder Canal is 204 km long up to its entry into Rajasthan; the last operational point of the canal is at Gadra Road.
- The Gang Canal, the oldest modern canal system of Rajasthan, starts at Husainiwala on the Sutlej and was completed in 1927 under Maharaja Ganga Singh.
- The Mahi Bajaj Sagar dam is in Banswara; Rajasthan and Gujarat share its costs and water in the ratio 45:55.
- The Chambal dams from downstream to upstream are Kota Barrage, Jawahar Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and Gandhi Sagar.
- Dungarpur is outside the Indira Gandhi Canal command area.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Irrigation in Rajasthan?
This page has 28 practice MCQs on Irrigation in Rajasthan (Rajasthan Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which is the oldest modern canal system of Rajasthan?
The Gang Canal, built under Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner and completed in 1927. It begins at Husainiwala on the Sutlej and brought water to the Sri Ganganagar area.
Where does the Indira Gandhi Canal end?
At Gadra Road in Barmer district, which is the last operational point of the canal. The canal is the longest in India and brings Himalayan water to the Thar desert.
How is the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Project shared?
Rajasthan and Gujarat share the project in the ratio 45:55 for the cost and the water. The dam is on the Mahi river in Banswara district, and the hydroelectricity is allocated under the agreement between the two States.